Which museums to visit in Paris’s 16th arrondissement?
The 16th arrondissement is brimming with quality museums, often less frequented than those in the center. Between art, heritage, anthropology and fashion, here are five recommended addresses to explore an inspiring and singular Paris.
Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine – French intelligence in architecture
This museum pays tribute to architecture through the centuries, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Monumental models, casts of cathedral portals, original plans and educational videos are on display. The space is vast, bright and superbly staged. The Cité also features temporary exhibitions on contemporary urban issues. The view of the Eiffel Tower from the galleries is exceptional.
📍 1 Place du Trocadéro
citedelarchitecture.fr
Musée de l’Homme – The adventure of mankind
Located in the wing of the Palais de Chaillot, this museum explores what makes us human. It traces the evolution of the human species from its origins to its possible futures. The collections combine fossils, anthropological objects, sound archives and multimedia. The highly accessible tour is suitable for adults and children alike. The clear, interactive and educational scenography makes the visit lively and captivating.
📍 17 Place du Trocadéro
museedelhomme.fr
Musée Guimet – A journey through Asian art
The Musée national des arts asiatiques – Guimet is a nugget for lovers of Oriental civilizations. Its collections cover the whole of Asia: China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, Korea and the Himalayas. Buddha statues, paintings, ritual objects, prints and ancient textiles are all on display. The museum’s sober, elegant architecture enhances the experience of contemplation. It’s a rich, silent museum, ideal for an afternoon’s escape.
📍 6 Place d’Iéna
guimet.fr
Palais de Tokyo – The laboratory of contemporary art
The Palais de Tokyo is not a traditional museum. It is an experimental space dedicated to contemporary creation. It doesn’t offer a permanent collection, but a succession of daring temporary exhibitions. Artists, both emerging and renowned, test new formats and media. The immensity of the space and its raw aesthetic give the works great visual power. It’s a place to discover for those who love art without frames.
📍 13 Avenue du Président Wilson
palaisdetokyo.com
Musée Galliera – Haute couture in majesty
Entirely dedicated to fashion, the Musée Galliera showcases the history of clothing from every angle. Its exhibitions, always temporary, pay tribute to major figures such as Gabrielle Chanel, Frida Kahlo and Azzedine Alaïa. The pieces are rare, sometimes fragile, often exhibited for the first time. The Second Empire palace, which houses the museum, adds to the charm of the visit. It’s as much about the art of dressing as it is about telling the story of an era.
📍 10 Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie
palaisgalliera.paris.fr
The 16th arrondissement, discreet but rich in culture
These five museums offer a variety of intellectual, sensory and visual experiences. The 16th arrondissement, often perceived as residential, is in fact home to a wealth of cultural treasures. It’s well worth exploring for its quiet, elegant and exciting venues. Take the time to stroll through its gardens, Haussmannian perspectives and top-class exhibitions.
Find out more about confidential venues in Paris at parisselectbook.com.
